Sporting Sota
Fansided

Minnesota Vikings: Injuries could sink Vikings’ Ship

By Ryan Palmer

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) catches a pass during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) catches a pass during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Minnesota Vikings’ GM Rick Spielman has stockpiled enough talent to keep the Vikings afloat so far, but there will be a breaking point.

The Minnesota Vikings are becoming a real-life infomercial. Mr. Flex Seal himself, Rick Spielman, is running low on canned rubber sealant however.

Spielman has worked his magic attempting to plug-and-play offensive players this season. So far, the Minnesota Vikings are succeeding with the players they have, but there will be a tipping point.

After losing Andre Smith to IR, Minnesota has officially lost every ‘critical’ position player possible on offense. How this team has achieved a 5-0 record is a testimonial to the toughness of the entire organization.

https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/786250770345754625

This Vikings still have enough talent, and a defense, that can get them to a Super Bowl. Accomplishing that goal will depend on one thing, Sam Bradford must stay upright and healthy. Bradford has been the key to the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive success in 2016.

Bradford is looking like he’s played in Norv Turner’s system his entire career. It has been remarkable, but he has taken some wicked hits over the last few weeks. Losing Bradford would derail Viking’ fans post-season dreams. Jake Long‘s health should be on everyone’s mind heading into the bye week.

T.J. Clemmings and Jeremiah Sirles are working their tails-off, but we need better play at the tackle position to remain successful. Sirles did perform better in Week 5, earning a grade of 78.0 by Pro Football Focus. Bringing in former No. 1 draft choice Jake Long was a bold move, but where will he play?

With Jeremiah progressing on the right side, the Minnesota Vikings might be tempted to insert Long at LT, freeing Clemmings to play the swing position. The former Pro Bowler had two serious knee injuries, and at 31- years old, how much does Long have left in the tank?

More from Sporting Sota

An eighty-percent healthy Jake Long is still a serviceable tackle in the NFL. Long has had a full two years of recovery time since his last major surgery. Having an extra week to prepare and “knock the rust off” won’t hurt either.

The Minnesota Viking’ roster is at critical mass. Losing Bradford, or anymore talent on offense, will take its toll. Playoff football is intense, and every opponent will have a good defense. The Vikings will need an offense capable of running the ball, and challenging opponents down field.

Next: With Diggs Doubtful, Who'll Step up fo Vikings

Keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best. The football gods have been kind so far, SKOL!

Home/Minnesota Vikings